Single-cell multimodal imaging uncovers energy conversion pathways in biohybrids

Mapping Composition Evolution through Synthesis, Purification, and Depolymerization of Random Heteropolymers

“…The results reveal that in an aqueous environment, the RHP chain exhibits a higher R g and more extended conformation when the OEGMA fraction is increased and the EHMA or MMA fraction is reduced. Given the widespread use of statistical heteropolymer ensembles in functional materials, the key design challenge has been how to tailor chain distributions for specific properties. ,, Currently, the precise control of sequence in multimonomer copolymerization and the sequencing of synthetic polymers pose ongoing challenges. − The findings presented here reveal that, despite the sequence heterogeneity, tuning the overall monomer composition can effectively shift the chain conformation distributions of statistical RHP ensembles. With careful monitoring of the livingness in multimonomer copolymerization and rigorous characterization of heteropolymer composition, this study showcases that in silico design based on ensemble-averaged composition and experimentally determined reactivity ratios can effectively guide the design of RHPs.…”

Revisiting Solar Energy Flow in Nanomaterial-Microorganism Hybrid Systems

“…221 The single-cell electron-uptake of R. eutropha upon hybridized with different semiconductor substrates has been investigated with a quantitative multimodal microscopy platform that combines multichannel optical imaging and photocurrent mapping. 280 Additionally, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses have been conducted on hybrid systems to uncover gene expression and protein changes in specific pathways likely related to energy transport. 231 Given that the interactions between nanomaterials and microbial cells remain predominantly unclear at present, substantial effort is required for the comprehensive understanding of this issue.…”

“…156,363 Furthermore, the electrochemical/photoelectrochemical properties of NMHSs are frequently studied using techniques such as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) 94,152 and cyclic voltammetry (CV), 154,225,280,364−366 often in conjunction with customizable illumination sources. The elucidation of charge separation and recombination in nanomaterials, as well as charge transfer at material-cell interfaces, is primarily achieved through techniques such as photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL/TRPL) spectroscopy, 32,38,133,137,167,172,189 transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, 122,133,144,169,230 scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), 280,367 scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and synchrotron X-ray radiation techniques. 150,170 Additionally, analytical methods like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 152,279 mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are available for the identification of unknown species in the reaction system, particularly those with suspected biological or electrochemical effects, such as energy carriers.…”

Operando Spectroscopic Elucidation of the Bubble Sunshade Effect in Inorganic–Biological Hybrids for Photosynthetic Hydrogen Production

“…19,20 Studies of the photosynthetic process at the single-cell level can offer mechanistic and quantitative guidance for improving energy conversion efficiencies. 21 fluorescent imaging, 22−24 spectral methodologies, 25,26 and plasmonic microscopies, 27,28 are crucial for monitoring the dynamics of individual cells. Nevertheless, realizing the observation of photosynthetic kinetics at the single-cell level with abundant dynamic and spectroscopic information remains elusive.…”

“…Studies of the photosynthetic process at the single-cell level can offer mechanistic and quantitative guidance for improving energy conversion efficiencies . Microscopic tools, including fluorescent imaging, − spectral methodologies, , and plasmonic microscopies, , are crucial for monitoring the dynamics of individual cells.…”